Jethro Tull founding member Mick Abrahams dies aged 82

Mick Abrahams, one of the founding members of Jethro Tull, has died at the age of 82.

Publication date band’s official websiteFrontman Ian Anderson said he was saddened by the death of the “powerful vocalist and experienced, powerful and lyrical guitarist”.

He said Luton-born Abrahams “had endured deteriorating health problems for the last 15 years and eventually became unable to perform”.

Anderson said Abrahams was “vital” in the band’s initial line-up, turning his musical ideas into “a powerful display of his instrumental talents for the remainder of the performance days”.

Anderson said Jethro Tull was formed “from the ashes” of The John Evan Band and McGregor’s Engine, a blues band Abrahams founded with Clive Bunker in the Luton/Dunstable area.

Abrahams He played on Tull’s debut album This Was, but left shortly after it was finished and formed another successful band, Blodwyn Pig.

After pursuing a solo career between 1971 and 2017, he retired from performing due to a stroke.

Anderson described him as a “homebody” who “liked to perform in hometowns.”

He said: “We all offer our condolences to Mick’s family and close friends, who can rightly be proud of his achievements and musical legacy.”